Assessing your garden: Winter damage and areas needing attention
Updated: Apr 19
Sometimes it can be too much.
I'll admit it; I get overwhelmed and have anxiety, frustration, irritability, sadness, and helplessness when it happens; life can be that way. Yes, many people experience feeling overwhelmed at some point in their lives. It is a common human experience as individuals navigate various challenges and stressors, such as relationships, work, finances, health issues, and even starting a new hobby or project. Like us, our plants and all living organisms experience stress; they'll wilt, have leaf discoloration, stunted growth, leaf drop, low fruit production, poor root development, and susceptibility to pests and disease. Wait, leaf drop (stressed plants may shed leaves). Damn, that's where my hair went. It's all coming together now, and there's no need to correlate all the possible symptoms!
Emerging Vegetable Growing Opportunities!
That exhilarating first step into the garden in early spring, accompanied by ice and snow melting under the warm sun, maybe the first sun in weeks, the sound of bird songs unheard for months, and the anticipation of our new gardening ideas planned for the year. My experience in the heavily regulated world of mortgage banking technology, where I've had the opportunity of implementing process improvements to help newcomers and seasoned professionals adapt to new requirements in systems and tools, has striking similarities to springtime garden assessment. This journey has imparted the significance of the old Chinese proverb, "The best fertilizer is the farmer's footsteps." For new and experienced home gardeners and urban farmers, this wisdom inspires us to remain present and attentive in our gardens, consistently observing and evaluating our plants' progress and making necessary adjustments to nurture and sustain them. By closely monitoring and adapting to our gardens' needs, we can incorporate the same principles of continuous improvement and flexibility that have proven successful in mortgage banking technology, ultimately cultivating flourishing and bountiful gardens in any season.
Empowered by knowledge, gardens flourish.
When cultivating a garden of edible vegetables, herbs, or flowers that attract pollinators, be it on a patio, porch, balcony, beside your home, or even within an urban farm on a residential lot like mine, situated in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5a with an average minimum winter temperature range of -20 to -15 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 to -26 degrees Celsius), there is much to discover. Through education and experience, understanding crucial factors such as your Hardiness Zone enables the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones to guide you in selecting plants most likely to thrive in their specific locations based on average annual minimum winter temperatures.
Spring assessment in your garden reveals what we need to learn for the new year; it shows us the mistakes of the past and the opportunity to make positive changes in its new light.
The importance of professionalism and mastery of one's craft cannot be overstated, as it's a cornerstone of any community's victories. A commitment to ongoing training and practice is the key to success in any field, as with urban farming and gardening, where the rewards have big ripple effects.
Urban farmers and gardeners, particularly those new to the practice, often confront unique challenges that might seem insurmountable even to the most organized and diligent individuals. Several factors may contribute to this overwhelming feeling:
Lack of knowledge: As with any profession, success in urban farming and gardening necessitates a strong foundation of knowledge. For instance, accomplished mortgage bankers take immense pride in offering exceptional customer service, which they achieve through a comprehensive understanding of their systems, processes, and relevant regulations and products. Similarly, successful gardening demands proficiency in various aspects such as soil preparation, plant selection, planting schedules, watering, fertilizing, and pest control. Although the wealth of information required may seem daunting initially, embracing the learning curve with determination and optimism is crucial.
Decision-making: Choosing the right plants, deciding where to plant them, and determining the proper layout can be overwhelming, especially for those new to gardening. In one of my blogs, I talk about the decision-tree technique executives use as a learning tool to grow their companies. These same techniques apply to gardening success, and I made a spreadsheet to track soil choices and seed selections. Let the underwhelm begin!
Time and resource management: Gardening requires a consistent time investment and resource management, such as watering, pruning, fertilizing, and harvesting. Balancing these tasks with other life responsibilities can be challenging and lead to feelings of overwhelm.
Fear of failure: Some people might feel overwhelmed due to the fear of making mistakes, such as planting the wrong plants or not providing the proper care, which could lead to plant loss or poor yield.
Environmental factors: It's interesting to consider that everything beyond our control might be classified as an environmental factor. For instance, in the financial world, interest rates may rise, and inflation may occur – circumstances that most individuals have little to no control over. Similarly, unpredictable weather conditions, pests, and diseases can create stress and overwhelm even the most experienced gardeners, particularly if they are uncertain about how to tackle these challenges.
To overcome being overwhelmed, consider these tips:
Start small: Begin with a manageable-sized garden or a few container plants, like tomatoes, peppers with basil, or onions planted together, and avoid overwhelming yourself with too many tasks or responsibilities when you're first getting started.
Research and learn: Learn about gardening and the specific plants you want to grow. Take pictures to track progress. Use AI software to identify what it is; this includes soil, plants, bugs, and fungus. Send me a photo and ask, "Hey, what is this"?
Seek advice: Read my blog and contact experienced gardeners, gardening groups, or online forums for guidance and support. In Wisconsin, the Master Gardeners Volunteer class through the University of Wisconsin is a great place to start.
Break tasks into smaller steps: Divide the gardening process into smaller, manageable tasks, and focus on completing them one at a time. Add these tasks to your phone reminder system; I use Google Tasks and my Gmail calendar to keep track.
Embrace mistakes: Gardening is a learning process, and mistakes will happen. Accept that failures are part of the experience and can provide valuable lessons for future success. Takes notes, write your blog and lean into the knowledge that every mistake is one step closer to success.
Be patient: Growing vegetables and gardening take time, so it's essential to have patience and enjoy the process. It took four years to get my first monster crop of asparagus; the time and effort were worth it.
With hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn, anyone can apply sustainable ways to grow vegetables, herbs, berries, and fruits without overwhelming them. These practices can be transformative for individuals and communities, and they offer many benefits, including improved health, increased food security, and a sense of community.
Let's get underwhelmed and unfazed with our springtime assessment.
When I started vegetable and herb gardening, I set out to grow delicious and abundant food for my family and friends. I was surprised when I had those overwhelming moments; they came with the experience of the tomatoes getting end rot because I didn't
water consistently, losing a crop after lots of work, or the years I couldn't get compost put on the asparagus in the fall.
I get overwhelmed, especially regarding spring clean-up and garden preparation for the new growing season. Starting last year, I set up systems and tools to be unfazed and underwhelmed by these long lists, look at things in a different light, and enjoy that feeling of accomplishment knowing I addressed that overwhelm head-on!
I'll help you by sharing my experience in this blog series. With training and practice, you'll look at your springtime gardening activities differently and grow your vegetables and herds more successfully.
I have included a spring checklist in a spreadsheet; maybe you'll consider adding it. Put your thoughts in the comments. It's down below for your reference.
Evaluating Your Spring Garden in USDA Zone 5a
In USDA Zone 5a, which can experience winter temperatures between -20°F and -15°F, spring gardening requires careful planning and evaluation. These steps will help to make the most of your garden this spring.
Inspect plants for winter damage: Assess your garden for any damage caused by winter weather, such as broken branches, frost heave, or rodent activity. Prune damaged or dead branches from trees, shrubs, and perennials to encourage new growth. (you'll see my raspberry patch and this spring's activity below.)
Assess soil conditions: Perform a soil test in different locations throughout the garden and where you'll plant what. Evaluate pH levels, nutrient availability, and soil structure. Amend the soil with organic matter, compost, or other amendments to create a fertile growing environment for what you're growing.
Check for overwintering pests and diseases: Inspect your garden for signs of insects or conditions that may have survived the winter. Remove and dispose of affected plant debris, and treat active infestations or infections with appropriate controls. Again in this summer's blog on sustainability, I'll explain how I use our four hens in Neenah as natural pest control.
Plan for companion planting: Plan out your garden beds and decide which plants will be grown together using companion planting techniques. This can help deter pests, improve soil health, and increase crop yields. Based on your evaluation, plan your spring garden by selecting appropriate plants for your zone. In Zone 5a, Mix cool-season crops like lettuce, kale, peas, and spinach and warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Consider incorporating native plants and pollinator-friendly flowers to support local ecosystems.
Prepare garden beds and containers: Remove plant debris from the previous growing season. Avoid disrupting the soil to avoid weed seeds getting started. Add fresh compost or other organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility. If you use containers or raised beds, ensure they're clean, filled, and tested for pH.
Start seeds indoors: To get a head start on the growing season, start seeds indoors for warm-season crops 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Starting them indoors will give them ample time to grow strong before transplanting them outdoors.
Gradually harden off seedlings: Before transplanting seedlings outdoors, help them acclimate to outdoor conditions by slowly exposing them to sunlight, wind, and cooler temperatures over 7-10 days.
Plant cool-season crops: Begin planting cool-season crops outdoors once the soil is workable and temperatures consistently stay above freezing. These plants can tolerate cooler temperatures and light frosts.
Mulch and fertilize: Apply a layer of organic mulch around your plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Fertilize your plants according to their specific needs, using organic, natural fertilizers with the proper nutrients for the grown plant.
Here are some tips for taking soil pH readings in the spring:
Take readings in different areas of your garden. The soil pH can vary from one spot to another.
Take readings after heavy rain. This will give you a more accurate reading of the soil pH.
Take notes on your phone or in a notebook. This will help you to remember what adjustments you need to make to the soil.
By taking soil pH readings in the spring, you can ensure that your plants have the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong.
For my upcoming summer blog on sustainability, I highly recommend and personally use no-till, no-dig techniques. In preparation for the spring planting season, it's best to minimize soil disturbance as much as possible to prevent the germination of new weed seeds. I will delve into the specifics of these methods in great detail in my upcoming blog.
I use the Carts Vermont, and it's time to mention; I sell things to make a living; I'm sharing my experience with products I want you to buy here on my blog; when you purchase through the ads or links that I put here, I get paid, and when you buy from the ads I put here. I'll hear your feedback and questions about the products and respond accordingly. The cart is available in three sizes and has been used on our urban farm for years of reliable service; I highly recommend their line of products.
Evaluating Your Spring Garden in USDA Zone 5a
In USDA Zone 5a, which can experience winter temperatures between -20°F and -15°F, spring gardening requires careful planning and evaluation. These steps will help to make the most of your garden this spring.
Inspect plants for winter damage: Assess your garden for any damage caused by winter weather, such as broken branches, frost heave, or rodent activity. Prune damaged or dead branches from trees, shrubs, and perennials to encourage new growth. (you'll see my raspberry patch and this spring's activity below.)
Assess soil conditions: Perform a soil test in different locations throughout the garden and where you'll plant what. Evaluate pH levels, nutrient availability, and soil structure. Amend the soil with organic matter, compost, or other amendments to create a fertile growing environment for what you're growing.
Check for overwintering pests and diseases: Inspect your garden for signs of insects or conditions that may have survived the winter. Remove and dispose of affected plant debris, and treat active infestations or infections with appropriate controls. Again in this summer's blog on sustainability, I'll explain how I use our four hens in the town of Neenah as natural pest control.
Plan for companion planting: Plan out your garden beds and decide which plants will be grown together using companion planting techniques. This can help deter pests, improve soil health, and increase crop yields. Based on your evaluation, plan your spring garden by selecting appropriate plants for your zone. In Zone 5a, Mix cool-season crops like lettuce, kale, peas, and spinach and warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Consider incorporating native plants and pollinator-friendly flowers to support local ecosystems.
Prepare garden beds and containers: Remove plant debris from the previous growing season. Avoid disrupting the soil to avoid weed seeds getting started. Add fresh compost or other organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility. If you use containers or raised beds, ensure they're clean, filled, and tested for pH.
Start seeds indoors: To get a head start on the growing season, start seeds indoors for warm-season crops 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Starting them indoors will give them ample time to grow strong before transplanting them outdoors.
Gradually harden off seedlings: Before transplanting seedlings outdoors, help them acclimate to outdoor conditions by slowly exposing them to sunlight, wind, and cooler temperatures over 7-10 days.
Plant cool-season crops: Begin planting cool-season crops outdoors once the soil is workable and temperatures consistently stay above freezing. These plants can tolerate cooler temperatures and light frosts.
Mulch and fertilize: Apply a layer of organic mulch around your plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Fertilize your plants according to their specific needs, using organic, natural fertilizers with the proper nutrients for the grown plant.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to a successful and bountiful spring garden in USDA Zone 5a. Remember to monitor your garden regularly, and be prepared to protect your plants from unexpected late frosts or pests. Happy gardening!